
Last week, the Chicago Bears posted several photos of players training at Halas Hall, and fans on social media noticed something different about quarterback Caleb Williams. Unlike last season, when he lined up with his right foot forward, he’s now leading with his left foot.
Nicholas Moreano, who covers the Bears for The Bigs, asked head coach Ben Johnson about the change, and Johnson shared his thoughts on social media.
“I’ve used various setups during my time in the league,” Johnson said. “In recent years, I’ve leaned toward having the left foot forward. Caleb and I discussed the reasons behind the change, and I believe it improves timing in the quick passing game from the shotgun and helps him maintain a better throwing stance for the different tasks we ask of him. Interestingly, he was already considering the adjustment on his own, so it wasn’t us forcing the change—it was more of a mutual decision to try it out. He’s really taken to it.”
Footwork is essential for a quarterback, as it must align with the timing of receiver routes. While this adjustment may seem minor, it could significantly enhance the offense’s overall performance over time.